Dispenser



H. R. TEAR Sept. 27, 1938.

DISPENSER Filed July 17, 1957 5 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR.

H/LPP Y ,9. TEA/2 H. R. TEAR DISPENSER Sept. 27, 1938.

Filed July 17, 1957 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. hAEE y E 72349 ATTORNEYS Patented Sept. 21, 1938 PAT ENT OFFICE DISPENSER Harry R. Tear, Evanston, 111., assignm- Lubrication Corporation, Chicago. 111., r

poration of Delaware Application July 17, 1931, Serial No. 154,110

11, Claims. (01. cal-41.3)

This invention relates to dispensers and more particularly to means for dispensing the contents of factory filled cartridges of lubricant or the like.

Lubricants and like materials have been marketed in factory filled cartridges formed at one end with an outlet opening and having their other ends closed by sliding pistons. It is desirable to keep the cost of such cartridges at a minimum and, in order to do'this, to make the pistons as short as possible. Short pistons, however, have a tendency to tilt or cock as they move through the cartridges and it is one of the objects of the present invention to provide a dispenser in which the pistons are prevented from tilting or cocking.

Another object of the invention is to provide a dispenser in which fluid under pressure acts directly on the cartridge piston to force it through the cartridge and in which the piston is guided to prevent it from tilting or cooking.

In one desirable arrangement the piston may be guided by a tube slidably mounted on the dispenser and carrying a cup shaped member formed for sealing engagement with an outwardly extending boss on the piston. In this way the tube serves as a vent for the cup shaped member so that fluid pressure tends to hold the membet in engagement with the piston.

Another important feature of the invention relates to the provision of safety means to prevent turning on the fluid pressure unless the dispenser is completely assembled with its discharge member in place. Preferably the safety means includes a member operated by unfastening the discharge member to prevent operation of a valve or the like which controls the fluid pressure supply until the discharge member has again been secured to the dispenser. This same safety means prevents disassembling of the dispenser unless the valve is closed.

Other objects, advantages and novel features of the invention including desirable subcombinations and particular elements will be apparent from the following description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a central axial section with parts in elevation of a dispenser embodying the invention;

Figure 2 is a partial side view looking from the right in Figure l; I

Figure 3 is a section on the line III-411 of Figure 2;

Figures 4, 6 and 8 are views corresponding to Figure 1 and Figures 5, 'l and 9 are views corresponding to Figure 2 showing various modified constructions; and

Figure 10 is a section on the line x-x of Figure 8.

The illustrated dispensers are all intended for use with a lubricant cartridge shown in dotted lines in Figures 1, 4, 6 and 8 and comprising a cylindrical side wall Ill having an and closure l2 secured to one end thereof bya crimp seam or the like. The closure I2 is formed with a central outlet opening defined by an inwardly turned flange ll providing a concave spherical surface for sealing engagement with discharge member as will appear later.

The other end of the cartridge is closed by a piston it having {packing around its periphery to form a sliding seal with the cartridge side wall and which is formed at its center with an outwardly projecting boss l8. When the piston i6 is forced through the cartridge, the contents thereof will be displaced and forced through the outlet opening to any desired point of use as will be apparent.

The dispenser of Figures 1, 2 and 3 isconstituted by 'a cylindrical shell or housing 20 to receive the cartridge and having one of its ends closed by a head 22. The. cartridge is adapted to extend into the head and'an annular packing 24 forms a fluid tight seal between the head and the outside of the cartridge adjacent one end. Air or like fluid under pressure is admitted to the head through a suitable fitting 26 for connection to an air hose past a valve 28 which is operated by apivoted trigger 30. The valve 28 operates to connect the interior of the head either to the air inlet passage or to an exhaust port 32.

It will be noted that air pressure acts directly on the piston to force it through the cartridge and in order to keep the piston from tilting or cocking a guide member is provided comprising a tube 34 slidably mounted in a second tube 36 which is carried by the head 22, a packing 38 preventing leakage of air around the tube 34.

A cup shaped member 40 is secured to the tube 34 and carries a packing 42 adapted. to seal against the outer periphery of the boss l8, a spring 44 normally urging the member 40 into engagement with the piston. The spring 46 is effective only when the piston is substantially in 50 the position shown but as the piston moves away. from the end of the cartridge the air pressure in the head will hold the member 40 in contact therewith due to the fact that the tube 34 vents member 40 to atmosphere.

The opposite end of the housing 20 is closed by a cap 46 pivoted to the shell at 46 and carrying a discharge tube 60. An inlet stud 62 provided with a check valve 64 is secured to the end of the discharge tube 60 and is formed with a convex spherical surface adapted to seal against the concave surface of the flange I4.

The cap 46 is adapted to be secured in position on the housing by a latch member 66 rotatably mounted on the housing and having a lip 66 engageable with a projecting lug 60 on the cap. The latch 66 is formed with a cam portion having an abrupt shoulder 62 for engaging one end of a rod 64 which is slidably mounted on the housing.20 and whose other end is pivoted to the trigger 30. When the latch 66 is in a position to secure the cap 46 to the housing, a low portion of its cam surface at the bottom of the shoulder 62 is opposite the end of the rod 64 and the trigger 30 may be operated freely. However, when the latch is turned to release the lug 60 a high portion of its cam surface lies opposite the end of the rod 64 and prevents forward movement of the rod, thus preventing operation of the trigger 30 to open the valve 23. Thus the valve cannot be opened to admit air to the head unless the cap 46 and discharge member are secured in position on the housing.

In use, the cap 46 is released and a cartridge is placed in the housing as shown with the boss I8 on its piston engaged in the cup member 40. The cap 46 is then swung to closed position and latched by turning the latch member 56. When it is desired to dispense the cartridge contents, the trigger 30 may be operated to admit compressed air to the head behind the piston I6, the cup member 40 being held in engagement with the piston by the air pressure and leakage of air around the outside of the cartridge being prevented by the packing 24. As the piston is forced through the cartridge by the air pressure the cartridge content will be forced out through the discharge tube 50 to the desired point of use.

Figures 4 and 5 illustrate a modified construction, parts therein corresponding to like parts in Figures 1 to 3 being indicated by the same reference numerals plus 100. In this construction the cap I46 carries a bifurcated extension I60 the legs of which are formed with inwardly turned portions I6I providing a relatively narrow mouth to the space between the legs. A rotatable latch member I56 extends radially outward of the housing I20 and is formed with a portion of noncircular cross section adapted to register with the extension I60 of such a size that when turned in one direction it will pass between the portions I6I out when'turned in the other direction it will not. Thus in the latter position the latch I56 will lock the cap I46 on the housing.

A hole I62 is formed in the latch I56 adapted when the latch is in a position to secure the cap to the housing, to receive the reduced end of the rod I64. In'this embodiment the rod I64 is disconnected from the trigger I30 and is provided with a handle I66 to slide it axially of the housing. When the rod is moved forward with its reduced end in the hole I62 it clears the trigger I30 but when the rod is moved to the rear to permit turning of the latch I56 to unfasten the cap I46 it engages the trigger I30 and prevents opening of the valve.

Figures 6 and 7 illustrate another modified construction, parts therein corresponding to like parts in Figures 1 to 3 being indicated by the same reference numerals plus 200. In this constructlon the cap 246 has an axial flange formed with a plurality of bayonet slots '2" adapted to cooperate with lugs 246 on the housing to secure the cap to the housing. The rod 264 is in the form of a flat strip having a slot therein to slide over a screw 266 on the housing and provided with a reduced end to enter one of the bayonet slots 241 when the cap is secured to the housing. Before the cap can be removed the strip 264 must be moved to the rear to withdraw its end from the slot 241 so the cap 246 can be turned and in its rearward position the strip engages the valve-operating trigger to prevent operation thereof in the same manner as in Figures 4 and 5.

In order to prevent movement of the strip 264 out of engagement with the trigger after the cap has been removed, a latch 210 is pivoted on the screw 266 with one of its ends engageable with the flange on cap 246 and its other end engageable with a pin 265 on the strip 264. A spring 212 urges the latch into position to engage the pin 266 to prevent forward movement of the strip and the latch and spring are covered by a plate 214 to prevent tampering therewith.

When the cap 246 is secured to the housing its flange engages one end of the latch 210 and rocks the other end thereof out of the path of the pin 265. The strip 264 may then be moved forward with its end projecting into the slot 241 and withits rear end disengaged from the valve trigger. Before the cap can be removed it is necessary to move the strip 264 rearwardly into engagement with the trigger to move its forward end out of the slot 241. When the cap is removed the spring 212 swings the latch 210 into a position to engage the pin 265 and prevent forward movement of the strip. Thus the strip is maintained in a position to lock the valve trigger at all times except when the cap is secured to the housing.

Figures 8, 9 and 10 show still another modified construction in which parts corresponding to like parts in Figures 1 to 3 have been indicated by the same reference numerals plus 300. In this construction the cap 346 is secured to a pair of straps 364 which have slots therein sliding over pins 363 on the housing 320. The ends of the straps have notches therein to interengage with tongues 356 on a latch member 356 which is rotatably mounted on the head 322 by means of arcuate slots therein which slide over pins 351. The trigger 330 is slidably mounted on the head in a position to be engaged by one of the tongues 356 when the latch member 356 is turned to release the straps 364.

with the parts in the position shown and the latch member 356 turned to engage the straps 364, the trigger 330 may be operated freely to open the valve 328. If the member 356 is turned to release the straps, it engages the trigger 330 to prevent it from being moved to open the valve. When the straps are released the cap 346 may be moved away from the end of the housing and swung about the pins 363 so that cartridges may be removed from or inserted in the housing.

While several embodiments of the invention have been shown and described it will be apparent that many changes might be made therein and it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the forms shown nor otherwise than by the terms of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A dispenser for lubricant or the like comprising a head formed for sealing engagement with one end of a supply cartridge, a discharge member formed'for sealing engagement with an outlet opening in the cartridge, means for admitting fluid under pressure into said head to force a pi'ston in the cartridge therethrough, anda guide member slidably carried by said head and adapted to engage said piston to prevent it from tilting as it moves through the cartridge, said guide member having means for sealingly engaging the piston whereby the pressure of said fluid will hold the guide member in engagement with the piston.

2. A dispenser for lubricant or the like comprising a head formed for sealing engagement with one end oi a supply cartridge, a discharge" member formed for sealing engagement with an outlet opening in the-cartridge, means for admitting fluid under pressure'into said head to force a piston in the cartridge therethrough, a tube slidably mounted in said head. and a member carried by said tube for sealingly engaging said piston whereby the pressure oi said fluid will hold said member in engagement with the piston, said tube providing an atmospheric vent for the sealed space within said member. s

3. A dispenser for use with a cartridge having an outlet opening in one end and a piston formed with an outwardly extending boss, comprising a discharge member formed for sealing engagement with the cartridge around the outlet opening, a head formed for sealing engagement with the end of the cartridge remote from the outlet opening, means for admitting fluid under pressure to the head to force the piston through the cartridge,

' and a guide member slidably carried by the head and engageable with said boss to prevent the piston' from tilting as it moves through the cartridge.

4. A dispenser for use with a cartridge having an outlet opening in one end and a piston formed with an outwardly extending boss, comprising a discharge member formed for sealing engagement with the cartridge around the outlet opening, a head formed for sealing engagement with the end of the cartridge remote from the outlet opening, means for admitting fluid under pressure to the head to force the piston through the cartridge, a

tube slidably carried by the head, and a cup shaped member carried by said tube and having means for sealingly engaging said boss.

5. A dispenser for use with a cartridge having an outlet opening in one end and a piston forming a movable closure for its other end, comprising a housing adapted to inclose the cartridge, a head secured to one end of the housing, a discharge member adapted to be secured to the other end of the housing in communication with the cartridge outlet, a tube slidably carried by said head, and a cup-shaped member carried by said tube sealing'ly to engage the cartridge piston, said tube serving as a vent for the cup-shaped member whereby fluid pressure in the head will hold the member in engagement with the head.

6. A dispenser for use with a cartridge having an outlet opening in one end and a piston forming a movable closure for its other end, comprising a housing adapted to inclose the cartridge, a head secured to one end of the housing, a discharge member adapted to be secured to the other end of the housing in communication with the cartridge outlet, means to secure said discharge member to the housing, a valve to control admission of fluid under pressure to thehead, and means operated by said securing means to prevent opening of the valve when the securing means is in a position to release the discharge member and to prevent release of the securing means when the valve is open.

7. A dispenser for use with a cartridge having an outlet opening in one end and'a piston forming a movable closure ior its other end. comprising a housing adapted to inclose the cartridge, a head secured to one end of the housing, a discharge member adapted to be secured to the other end 01 the housing in communication with the cartridge outlet, means .to secure said discharge member to the housing, a valve to control admission or fluid under pressure to the head, a trigger to operate the valve, and means operated by said securing means to prevent operation of,

said trigger when the securing means is in a position to release the discharge member.

8. A dispenser for use with a cartridge having an outlet opening in one end and a piston forming a movable closure for its other end, comprising a housing adapted to inclose the cartridge, a head secured to one end of the housing, a discharge member adapted to be secured to the other end of the housing in communication with the cartridge outlet, means to secure said discharge member to the housing, a valve to control admission of fluid under pressure to the head, and means operated by said securing means to prevent opening of the valve when the securing means is in a position to release the discharge member, said last named means including a rod slidable axially of the housing.

9. Adlspenser for use with a cartridge having an outlet opening in one end and a piston forming a movable closure for its other end, comprising a housing adapted to inclose the cartridge, a head secured to one end of the housing, a discharge member adapted to be secured to the other end of the housing in communication with the cartridge outlet, a valve to control admission of fluid under pressure to said head, a trigger to operate the valve, a rod secured to the trigger and slidable axially of the housing, and means to secure said discharge member to the housing including a part to engage said rod to prevent movement of the trigger to open the valve when said means is in a position to release the discharge member.

10. A dispenser for use with a cartridge having an outlet opening in one end and a piston forming a movable closure for its other end, comprising a housing adapted to inclose the cartridge; a head secured to one end of the housing, a discharge member adapted tobe secured to the other end of the housing in communication with the cartridge outlet, a valve to control admission of fluid under out of engagement with the trigger when said means is in a position to release the discharge member.

11. A dispenser for use with a cartridge having an outlet opening in one end and a piston forming a movable closure for its other end, comprising a housing adapted to inclose the cartridge, a head secured to one end of the housing, a discharge member adapted to be secured to the other end of the housing in communication with the cartridge outlet, a valve to control admission of fluid under pressure to said head, a trigger to operate the valve, a rod'slidable axially of the housing and engageable with the trigger to prevent operation thereof, means for securing the discharge member to the housing including a part engageable with said rod to prevent movement thereof out of engagement with the trigger when said means is in a position to release the discharge member, and means to lock said rod in engagement with the trigger when the discharge member is disconnected from the housing.

12. A dispenser for use with a cartridge having an outlet opening in one end and a piston forming amovable closure for its other end, comprising a housing adapted to inclose the cartridge, a head secured to one end of the housing, a discharge member adapted to be secured to the other end of the housing in communication with the cartridge outlet, said discharge member including a peripheral flange to overlie and form a bayonet connection with the end of the housing, a valve to control admission of fluid under pressure to the head, valve operating means, a rod slidable axially of the housing and engageable with the valve operating means to lock it, said flange having a notch therein to receive the end of the rod whereby it can be moved out of engagement with the valve operating means when the discharge member is secured to the housing.

13. A dispenser for use with a cartridge having an outlet opening in one end and a piston forming a movable closure for its other end, comprising a housing adapted to inclose the cartridge, a head secured to one end of the housing, a discharge member adapted to be secured to the other end of the housing in communication with the cartridge outlet, said discharge member including a peripheral flange to overlie and form a bayonet connection with the end of the housing, a valve to control admission of fluid under pressure to the head, valve operating means, a rod slidable axially of the housing and engageable with the valve operating means to lock it, said flange having a notch therein to receive the end of the rod whereby it can be moved out of engagement with the valve operating means when the discharge member is secured to the housing, and means engageable with said flange to lock the rod in engagement with the valve operating means when the discharge member is disconnected from the housing.

14. A dispenser for use with a cartridge having an outlet opening in one end and a piston forming a movable closure for its other end, comprising a housing adapted to inclose the cartridge, a head secured to one end of the housing, a discharge member adapted to be secured to the other end of the housing in communication with the cartridge outlet, a pair of elongated strips secured to the discharge member and extending lengthwise of the housing, a member rotatable on the housing for engaging said strips to secure the discharge member to the housing, and means for controlling admission of fluid under pressure to said head, said rotatable member engaging said controlling means to prevent operation thereof when the member is in a position to release the strips.

15. A dispenser or use with a crrtridge having an outlet opening in one end and a piston forming a movable closure for its other end, comprising a housing adapted to inclose the cartridge, a head secured to one endof the housing, a discharge member adapted to be secured to the other end of the housing in communication with the cartridge outlet, a cap carrying said discharge member and pivoted at one side to the housing, means to secure the other side of the cap to the housing, means to control admission of fluid under pressure to said head and means operated by said securing means to lock said control means in closed position when the securing means is un- Iastened.

16. In combination with a cartridge for lubricant or the like having an outlet opening in one end and a piston providing a movable closure for its other end and formedwith an outwardly extending boss, a dispenser comprising a head, means to secure the head over the end of the cartridge adjacent the piston, a tube slidably carried by the head, a cup-shaped member carried by the tube and formed for sealing engagement with the exterior of said boss, and means for admitting fluid under pressure to said head, said tube forming a vent for the cup-shaped member so that the fluid pressure will hold it in engagement with the piston. g i

17. In combination with a cartridge for lubricant or the like having an outlet opening in one end and a piston providing a movable closure for its other end and formed with an outwardly extending boss, a dispenser comprising a head, means to secure the head over the end of the cartridge adjacent the piston, a tube slidably carried by the head, a cup-shaped member carried by the tube and formed for sealing engagement with the exterior of said boss, means for admitting fluid under pressure to said head, said tube forming a vent for the cup-shaped member so that the fluid pressure will hold it in engagement with the engagement with the cartridge around the outlet opening, and means for connecting said discharge member to the head.

HARRY R. 'I'EAR. 

